Lead Water Resources Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Ongoing training

Education support

Conferences access

Leave allowance

Flexible working

Advanced design tools access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Water Resources Engineer to head the water management division in Durban. You will guide project delivery, mentor engineers, and drive sustainable water solutions for dams, drainage, and wastewater systems.

The role requires an MSc/MEng in Water Resources with 8+ years of experience and Pr Eng registration. Travel within KwaZulu-Natal is expected as projects span regional sites.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Civil or Environmental Engineering with specialization in Water Resources.
• Minimum of 8 years in water resources engineering and management.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is required.
• Demonstrated expertise with hydraulic modeling software (HEC-RAS, InfoWorks ICM) and GIS.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of water quality management, wastewater treatment, and stormwater principles.
• Excellent client management and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal for site assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of water resource projects including dams, pipelines, and treatment plants.
• Develop integrated water resource management plans considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
• Mentor a team of water resource engineers and staff.
• Perform hydrological and hydraulic modeling for water availability and flood risk.
• Prepare technical reports, design docs, and tender submissions.
• Oversee budgets, schedules, and resources for project delivery.
• Engage with clients, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Champion innovative and sustainable water management technologies.
• Ensure designs comply with environmental regulations.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Water resources engineering

Client management

Communication

Education

MSc/MEng Civil or Environmental Eng (Water Resources)

Pr Eng (ECSA)

Tools

HEC-RAS

InfoWorks ICM

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental and infrastructure consultancy, is seeking a Lead Water Resources Engineer to spearhead their water management division in Durban . This leadership position requires extensive experience in the planning, design, and implementation of sustainable water resource management solutions. You will be responsible for managing a team of water engineers, overseeing complex projects related to water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and flood control. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, excellent project management skills, and a passion for sustainable development. This is a key role within a growing organization committed to improving water security and infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of water resource projects, including dams, pipelines, treatment plants, and drainage systems.
• Develop integrated water resource management plans, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
• Manage and mentor a team of water resource engineers and technical staff.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic modeling to assess water availability, flood risk, and water quality.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and tender submissions.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery.
• Engage with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to foster strong relationships and ensure project alignment.
• Champion the adoption of innovative and sustainable water management technologies.
• Ensure all designs and projects comply with relevant environmental regulations and standards.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering and management.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, InfoWorks ICM) and GIS.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of water quality management, wastewater treatment processes, and stormwater management principles.
• Excellent client management and communication skills.
• Experience in infrastructure planning and feasibility studies.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessment processes is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal for project site assessments.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent.
• annual performance bonus.
• comprehensive medical coverage.
• generous retirement annuity.
• ongoing training programs.
• support for further education.
• opportunities to attend industry conferences.
• substantial leave allowance.
• flexible working arrangements.
• access to advanced simulation and design tools.

Join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and making a positive impact on water infrastructure in Durban .